Method of activating a supplemental visual warning signal based on frequency emitted from a generator of a primary audible warning signal

ABSTRACT

A system and method for signaling users including a control device electrically connected to a transceiver. The transceiver has a specified frequency. A first mobile signal device being activated by a first user and electrically communicating with a first transmitter having a selectable signal frequency. The first transmitter electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. A second signal device includes a second receiver for receiving an activation signal from the transceiver. The second receiver electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. The second signal device is activated by the activation of the first mobile signal device using the transceiver for alerting other persons.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for activatingmultiple alert signals, and more specifically, activating multiple alertsignals wherein a first alert signal activates one or more second alertsignals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, signaling or alert systems may utilize wired or wirelesstransmission to a remote receiver to indicate, for example, apredetermined time period at the remote receiver. For example, signalingin sporting events include officials or referees signals relating torules and an official time clock include electrically communicationbetween an official's whistle to a time display clock. Other systemsinclude corresponding game rule signals, which may be communicated usinghand signals or audibly by a mobile official or referee, with a visualor audible signal activated by the official or referee. Other systemsdisclose using a tactile notification, i.e., touching, or non-audio,activated by an official at a sporting event.

Further, audible warning signals are produced in events such as sportingcontests to indicate that play should start or stop at a certain time.For example, a referee's whistle is blown to indicate the start of playin a soccer match, football game, or volleyball match. Problems areencountered with this technique which include, deaf participants notbeing able to determine the precise instant of play stopping or playstarting, which may result in confusion and the possibility of injuries.Further, participants in sporting event tournaments in which matches areheld on adjacent courts may have difficulty determining whether or notan audible signal was initiated by the referee of their particularcontest. Additionally, participants in a sporting event simply may nothear the referee's whistle, or mistake the referee's whistle for anunrelated sound.

Devices exist which provide both an audible and visual warning signal aspart of the same unit, such as a fire alarm. Also, devices hard-wiredinto the timing system governing a sporting event produce an automaticaudible and visual signal at a predetermined time, such as the hornsounding and a neon light activation on the backboard of a basketballgoal at the end of a quarter.

Known systems disclose activation of a plurality of visual or tactilealert signals upon activating a primary audio alert signal. For example,a referee's whistle can activate a wireless signal transmitted toreceivers that activate lights and/or vibrating devices worn by sportsparticipants. Lights can be mounted on basketball backboards, goals, orscorer's table indicating the whistle has been blown and play has beenstopped. Vibrating devices, such as a wristband, enable deaf players toreceive real time alerts that a whistle has been blown and play hasstopped.

Another known signaling system includes alerting sports participants whocannot detect audible signals. A transceiver is configured to detect afirst signal and an additional signal. The first signal is transmittedfrom an activation device such as a whistle and the additional signal istransmitted from another activation device that is a remote control. Thetransceiver sends a second signal in response to detection of the firstsignal or the additional signal. The second signal is a radio signaltransmitted at a preselected frequency range and carries information asto whether the first signal or the additional signal was detected.

Another known signaling system includes a method for alerting basketballfans of successful three point shots. The on-court official couldactuate the sound-processing card remotely. This can be easilyaccomplished by integrating a remote control device that can actuate thesound card located on the official scorers table. This remote controldevice could be incorporated into the official's whistle or otherhandheld object. A light or other visual indicator is located within theline of sight of the majority of the fans of the basketball game. Oncethe official actuates the sound-processing mechanism, a signal is alsosent to the light actuation mechanism to turn on the light or visualalarm.

A further known signaling system discloses a method and system for aremotely actuatable sports timing system. Indicator lights areresponsive to whistle signals received from transmitters to operate as abuilt-in test circuit to indicate that a signal is being received fromeach radio transmitters or by their failure to glow to indicate a faultin the radio transmission of a particular transmitter.

In another known system, a wireless multiple non-synchronized athleticevent time keeping and communication system is disclosed. A timekeeperor official starts or stops a clock and a transmission means located ina timing communicator sends a signal to the small mobile fieldcommunicator worn by the referee on the field, which may also be afloor, mat or any other term used by the particular sport to describethe area or location of play. The small mobile field communicator wornby the referee converts this signal into a tone, vibration or flashinglight for transmission and communication with the referee. In thepreferred embodiment of the system the field communicator's receipt of asignal activates both a flashing light and vibration mechanism. Further,pre-time expiration warning signals may be sent to the fieldcommunicator worn by the referee.

Another known system includes a method and system for a control circuitto sense the time period end in a sporting event and other timeinformation and uses a transmitter to transmit a digital or other signalto a sensory receiver, for example, a receiver held by an official or ascoreboard.

However, none of the known signaling systems resolve the problem whenmultiple areas having activities and receiving signals are adjacent toeach other and the signals intended for one area can be mistaken by anadjacent area, and/or multiple receivers can receive and initiate asignal intended for a particular receiver. Thus, a need exists toresolve the problem of a person misinterpreting a signal and/or asecondary signal device mistakenly receiving a signal to initiate asecondary indicator. For example, this problem is most prevalent whenmultiple areas of play in a sport or multiple sports are adjacent eachother such that an official's signal may be mistaken by an adjacent playarea. This may occur from adjacent players hearing or seeing a signalnot intended for their area and/or a wireless receiving device maymistakenly receive an unintended signal and activating an alarm, e.g.,time alarm, or an official signal. Such unwanted activation of an alertor mistakenly reacting to an alert signal by a player can cause anunintentional stop of play or a time period erroneously being expired.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a system and method forproviding one or more supplemental signals, e.g., visual signals,indicating that a first signal, e.g., an audible signal has beenproduced. It would further be desirable for the system and method toavoid confusion of the corresponding first and supplemental signals withother corresponding first and supplemental signals by the players aswell as erroneously activation of neighboring signals in a multi courtor multi field area or arena.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the invention a system for signaling users includes acontrol device and a transceiver electrically communicating with thecontrol device. The transceiver has a specified frequency. A firstmobile signal device is activated by a first user to indicate apredetermined event. The first mobile device electrically communicateswith a first transmitter having a selectable signal frequency, and thefirst transmitter electrically communicates with the transceiver usingthe specified frequency. A second signal device includes a secondreceiver for receiving an activation signal from the transceiver. Thesecond receiver electrically communicates with the transceiver using thespecified frequency being selected by the control device. The secondsignal device is activated by the activation of the first mobile signaldevice using the transceiver for alerting another user.

In a related aspect, the first signal device belongs to a first group ofdevices generating sensory stimulation of the user, and the secondsignal device belongs to a second group of devices generating sensorystimulation of the another user. In another aspect, the first groupincludes first devices generating audible alerts. The second group mayalso include second devices generating visual alerts. The first groupmay include first devices generating audible signals, and the system mayfurther include an audible device being selected from the first groupcomprising: a whistle, a horn, and an alarm claxon. The second group mayinclude second devices generating visual alerts, and the system mayfurther comprise a visual device being selected from the second groupcomprising: a flashing light and a strobe light. The system may furtherinclude a third signal device being activated by the activation of thefirst mobile signal device, and the third signal device being part of athird group of devices generating stimulation to a user. The stimulationmay be a vibration. The third signal device may be part of an article ofclothing and the signal device may generate a vibration to the user. Thethird signal device may be a vibrating device. The first signal devicemay be battery powered. The second signal device may be mobile. Thesystem may further include a plurality of defined areas wherein eacharea includes a transceiver having a specified frequency, and each ofthe defined areas include a first signal device including a switchablefrequency transmitter having the specified frequency matching thespecified frequency of the respective transceiver. Further, at least onesecond signal device has the specified frequency matching the specifiedfrequency of the transceiver. In another aspect, the first mobile signaldevice and the transmitter, the transmitter and the transceiver, and thetransceiver and the second signal device communicate wirelessly. Thesecond signal device may be activated for a predeterminable timeinterval.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of systematically signalingusers includes: providing a control device; providing a transceiverelectrically communicating with the control device, and the transceiverhaving a specified frequency; activating a first mobile signal device toindicate a predetermined event, the first mobile device electricallycommunicating with a first transmitter; selecting a signal frequency forthe first transmitter, and the first transmitter electricallycommunicating with the transceiver using the specified frequency;providing a second signal device including a second receiver; selectingthe specified frequency for the receiver; receiving an activation signalfrom the transceiver, the second receiver electrically communicatingwith the transceiver using the specified frequency being selected by thecontrol device; and activating the second signal of the second signaldevice for alerting users when the first mobile signal device isactivated.

In a related aspect, the method further includes generating audiblealerts using the first signal device, and the first signal device beingfrom a first group. The method may further include generating visualalerts using the second device, and the second signal device being froma second group. Also, the method may further include activating a thirdsignal device when the first mobile signal device is activated, and thethird signal device being part of a third group of devices generatingstimulation to a user including vibration.

In another aspect of the invention, a computer program product comprisesa computer readable medium having a computer program recorded thereon.The computer program is executed by a processor in a computer system forsystematically signaling users, the computer program performs the stepsof: determining a specified frequency for a first transmitter of a firstmobile signal device indicating a predetermined event; selecting thespecified frequency for a transceiver communicating with the firsttransmitter, and the transceiver electrically communicating with acontrol device which includes the computer program; and selecting thespecified frequency for a second receiver of a second signal device, thesecond receiver receiving an activation signal from the transceiver, andthe second signal device being activated for alerting users when thefirst mobile signal device is activated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionof illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a signaling system according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a signaling system according to anotherembodiment of the invention including adjacent play areas;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of method steps, system components and exemplarysignaling devices according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention includinga court as a play area using a plurality of auditory and visual signaldevices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment according to the invention of asystem 10 for signaling users includes a control device 14 including acomputer 24 having a computer program 22 stored on a computer readablemedium embodied as a data storage device 18, and a processor 26. Thecontrol device 14 electrically communicates with a transceiver 30operating on one or more specified frequencies. The transceiver 30includes an antennae 34 for transmitting and receiving signals. A firstmobile signal device is embodied as an audible device 40, for example, areferee's whistle, which is activated by a first user, for example, areferee or official at a sporting event. The audible device 40electrically communicates with a first transmitter 44 having aselectable signal frequency using a frequency adjustment device 52. Thefirst transmitter 44 electrically communicates with the transceiver 30using the specified frequency.

Second signal devices are embodied as a visual device 50 and a vibrationdevice 60 as an embodiment of a tactile alert device. The visual device50 includes a second receiver 54 for receiving an activation signal fromthe transceiver 30. The vibration device 60 includes another secondreceiver 64 for receiving an activation signal from the transceiver 30.The second receivers 54, 64 electrically communicate with thetransceiver 30 using the specified frequency. The visual device 50 andvibration device 60 are activated by the audible device 40 initiatingthe first transmitter 44, which initiates the transceiver 30 to activatethe visual device 50 and the vibration device 60. The duration of thetime interval the visual alert device is on or other alert device is onmay be configurable to allow for different time durations. Thetransmitter 44 and receivers 54, 64, as well as the transceiver 30, arepreferable wireless and may be powered by small lithium batteries.

In alternative embodiments, one or more visual devices 50 can be mountedon basketball backboards, goals, or scorer's table indicating a whistle110 has blown and play has been stopped. The vibrating devices 60 may beintegrated in a wristband or article of clothing such as a vest 130enabling deaf players to receive real time alerts that the whistle 110has been blown and play has stopped.

Referring to FIG. 2, another embodiment of a signaling system 100according to the invention, wherein like elements with the system 10shown in FIG. 1 have the same reference numerals, includes a firstaudible device 104 and a second audible device 108, for example beingwhistles, having transmitters 44. The transmitter 44 of the audibledevices 104, 108 emit signals 56 to a first transceiver 110 and a secondtransceiver 120, respectively. The transmitted signals 56 have differentfrequencies which are adjustable using frequency adjustment devices 52.The first transceiver 110 and the second transceiver 120 both includeantennas 114 and 124, respectively, set to a selectable frequency usingthe control device 14. The frequencies of the first and secondtransceivers 110, 120 are set and monitored by a control device 14. Thecontrol device includes a computer 24 including a program 22 stored on adata storage device 18 and executed by a processor 26.

Adjacent areas are embodied as a first play area 130 and a second playarea 140 and for exemplary purposes are adjacent sport play areas, forexample, basketball courts, racquetball courts, or soccer fields. Thefirst play area 130 includes a visual device 50 having a receiver 54 setto the same frequency as the first transceiver. Likewise, a vibrationdevice 60 has a receiver 64 set to the same frequency as the firsttransceiver. The first audible device 104 is selectively set to the samefrequency as the first transceiver 110 using the frequency adjustmentdevice 52. The first audible device 104 thus only activates the visualdevice 50 and vibration device 60 in the first play area 130.

The second play area 140 also includes a visual device 50 having areceiver 54 and a vibration device 60 having a receiver 64 both set tothe a different frequency than the visual device and vibration device ofthe first play area 130. The second audible device 108 is selectivelyset to the same frequency as the second transceiver 120 and the visualdevice 50 and the vibration device 60. The second audible device 108thus only activates the visual device 50 and vibration device 60 in thesecond play area 140. The first and second audible devices 104, 108 donot interfere with each other as they are set to transmit at differentfrequencies matching the visual device and vibration device in theirrespective play areas 130, 140.

Referring to FIG. 3, a method 200 for an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention includes, an official blowing a whistle 204 capable ofwireless transmission using a signal device 208 electricallycommunicating with the whistle 204 in step 202. The signal device 208includes a transmitter and communicates blowing the whistle 204 with thewireless transceiver 212 which in turn communicates with a computer 216in step 210. The computer 216 determines the frequency that the wirelesstransceiver 212 receives and sends signals to a selected field or playarea in a multiple field area in step 220. The transceiver 212,activated by the whistle 204, activates the secondary alerts embodied asa visual alert, e.g., light 230, a vibration alert, e.g., vest withvibration device 240, and an audible alert, e.g., horn 250. Thus, thecomputer 216 may also configure multiple wireless transceivers bydetermining specified frequency for each transceiver. Further, thecomputer 216 may switch or reallocate frequencies from first audibledevices, e.g., whistles, to transceivers, and from transceivers toreceivers in different play areas or fields. Additionally, the computer216 may communicate via a network with a global timing system, such asused in tournament play, to provide an automatic alert signal based onsynchronized time.

Referring to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment of the inventionaccording to the present invention, an illustrative area embodied as afield or court 300 is understood to be one court of a plurality ofadjacent courts. The court 300 includes an auditory device embodied as awhistle 204 used by an official or referee 320. In operation, theofficial or referee 320 has the whistle 204 and sets the whistle 204signal device or transmitter 208 to a specified frequency. The referee'swhistle activates the horn 250 using the transceiver 212 designated forthe court 300. The computer 216 communicates with the transceiver 212and implements a specified frequency for the court 300 which isdifferent than other adjacent courts. The frequency of the whistle 204is also set, for example by the referee, for the same frequency as thetransceiver 212 designated for the court 300. Once the referee blows thewhistle 204, the whistle 204 activates the horn 250 using thetransceiver 212. The transceiver 212 also activates the secondarydevices in the court 300, i.e., lights 230 positioned on opposing sidesof the court and a third side of the court behind the net 320, and avibration device in a vest 240 worn by a player 310.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith respect to preferred embodiments thereof it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that changes in forms and details may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.It is therefore intended that the present invention not be limited tothe exact forms and details described and illustrated herein, but fallswithin the scope of the appended claims.

1. A system for signaling users, comprising: a control device; atransceiver electrically communicating with the control device, thetransceiver having a specified frequency; a first mobile signal devicebeing activated by a first user to indicate a predetermined event, thefirst mobile device electrically communicating with a first transmitterhaving a selectable signal frequency, the first transmitter electricallycommunicating with the transceiver using the specified frequency; asecond signal device including a second receiver for receiving anactivation signal from the transceiver, the second receiver electricallycommunicating with the transceiver using the specified frequency beingselected by the control device, the second signal device being activatedby the activation of the first mobile signal device using thetransceiver for alerting another user.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe first signal device belongs to a first group of devices generatingsensory stimulation of the user, and the second signal device belongs toa second group of devices generating sensory stimulation of the anotheruser.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first group includes firstdevices generating audible alerts.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein thesecond group includes second devices generating visual alerts.
 5. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the first group includes first devicesgenerating audible signals, and the system further includes an audibledevice being selected from the first group comprising: a whistle, ahorn, and an alarm claxon.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein the secondgroup includes second devices generating visual alerts, and the systemfurther comprising a visual device being selected from the second groupcomprising: a flashing light and a strobe light.
 7. The system of claim2, further including a third signal device being activated by theactivation of the first mobile signal device, and the third signaldevice being part of a third group of devices generating stimulation toa user.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the stimulation is avibration.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the third signal device ispart of an article of clothing and the signal device generates avibration to the user.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the thirdsignal device is a vibrating device.
 11. The system of claim 1, whereinthe first signal device is battery powered.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein the second signal device is mobile.
 13. The system of claim 1,further including a plurality of defined areas wherein each areaincludes a transceiver having a specified frequency, each of the definedareas include a first signal device including a switchable frequencytransmitter having the specified frequency matching the specifiedfrequency of the respective transceiver and at least one second signaldevice having the specified frequency matching the specified frequencyof the transceiver.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the first mobilesignal device and the transmitter, the transmitter and the transceiver,and the transceiver and the second signal device communicate wirelessly.15. The system of claim 1, wherein the second signal device is activatedfor a predeterminable time interval.
 16. A method of systematicallysignaling users, comprising: providing a control device; providing atransceiver electrically communicating with the control device, thetransceiver having a specified frequency; activating a first mobilesignal device to indicate a predetermined event, the first mobile deviceelectrically communicating with a first transmitter; selecting a signalfrequency for the first transmitter, and the first transmitterelectrically communicating with the transceiver using the specifiedfrequency; providing a second signal device including a second receiver;selecting the specified frequency for the second receiver; receiving anactivation signal from the transceiver, the second receiver electricallycommunicating with the transceiver using the specified frequency beingselected by the control device; and activating a second signal using thesecond signal device for alerting users when the first mobile signaldevice is activated.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:generating audible alerts using the first signal device, and the firstsignal device being from a first group.
 18. The method of claim 16,further comprising: generating visual alerts using the second signaldevice, and the second signal device being from a second group.
 19. Themethod of claim 16, further comprising: activating a third signal devicewhen the first mobile signal device is activated, and the third signaldevice being part of a third group of devices generating stimulation toa user including vibration.
 20. A computer program product comprising acomputer readable medium having a computer program recorded thereon, thecomputer program being executed by a processor in a computer system forsystematically signaling users, the computer program performing thesteps of: determining a specified frequency for a first transmitter of afirst mobile signal device indicating a predetermined event; selectingthe specified frequency for a transceiver communicating with the firsttransmitter, and the transceiver electrically communicating with acontrol device which includes the computer program; and selecting thespecified frequency for a second receiver of a second signal device, thesecond receiver receiving an activation signal from the transceiver, andthe second signal device being activated for alerting users when thefirst mobile signal device is activated.